Daughter of federal politician loses court battle to run in Manitoba election

A Winnipeg woman has lost a bid to run in the upcoming Manitoba election because she has been living outside the province to attend university.

Hannah Mihychuk Marshall, daughter of Liberal member of Parliament Maryann Mihychuk, was seeking the provincial Liberal nomination in Rossmere in north Winnipeg.

She had been studying at the University of Ottawa and came back in late April with plans to continue her studies in Manitoba.

Elections Manitoba requires candidates to live in the province for six consecutive months leading up to election day, which is Sept. 10 this year.

Mihychuk Marshall took the case to court, arguing that students are allowed to vote while temporarily out of province, and should have some leeway to run as candidates as well.

A judge rejected the idea, leaving the provincial Liberals to name someone else to run in Rossmere and other constituencies before the deadline Monday.

"I am very disappointed in the ruling. I am a Manitoban, and I call nowhere else home," Mihychuk Marshall said following Thursday's ruling.

The Liberals said they have a backup plan.

"We are actively adding more candidates to the team as we speak and have a candidate ready to go for Rossmere as well," Liberal spokesperson Colin Roy said in an email.

"We were prepared for the possibility of a loss in the court battle."

The Liberals had registered 53 candidates for the 57 legislature seats as of Thursday afternoon, according to Elections Manitoba's website. The Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats filled their slates several days ago.

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